Heat water in the microwave using a microwave-safe glass measuring cup. Microwave the water for about 30 seconds. The water should be hot to the touch but does not need to boil.

Whisk unflavored gelatin/ Lieber’s Jel into the water. Only whisk the gelatin into the water long enough for it to dissolve.

Whisk corn syrup into the water. Stir the corn syrup long enough for it to dissolve.

In a separate bowl, mix together bird seed with flour.* The two should be thoroughly combined.

Gradually pour the gelatin solution into the bird seed and flour. Use a large spoon to mix all ingredients well until a thick, sticky mass forms.

Spray the inside of a cookie cutter with nonstick spray. You can use any cookie cutter shape you want, but larger shapes tend to be easier to work with than smaller ones and may attract more birds.

Place the cookie cutter on a large sheet of parchment paper. Wax paper or nonstick cooking foil can also be used.

Spray your fingers with nonstick cooking spray. You will need to work directly with the sticky bird seed mixture, and cooking spray will reduce the amount of seed that gets stuck to your skin.

Spoon the bird seed mixture into the prepared cookie cutter. Press the seed mix into the cookie cutter with your hands until it feels firm and compact.

Insert a chopstick, wooden dowel, or the handle of a wooden spoon into the bird seed packed inside the mold. Immediately remove it after inserting it into the seed to create a hole. The hole will allow you to tie the ornament onto the tree. You can create the hole anywhere, but the closer it is to the center, the sturdier the ornament will be and the longer it will last.

Remove the cookie cutter from the bird seed. Do so carefully, "wiggling" it free and gently holding the seed in place with your fingers if necessary.

Repeat the molding process with the rest of your bird seed mixture. You may need to spray the cookie cutter with additional nonstick spray after every one or two moldings.

Dry the bird seed ornaments overnight. Allow them to sit in a cool spot, such as a basement or refrigerator.

String a separate piece of yarn or thick string through the hole in each ornament. Tie the string, leaving enough empty space to slip the loop over a tree branch.

Reading aloud to your child for 15 minutes each day will prepare him or her for learning, school, and the rest of his or her life.

Visit the library to learn about all the ways we can learn with books and technology during Family Reading Night.

On Thursday, November 21st from 6:30-7:30 come to the library to read, listen, make a craft, and have some snacks.

Family Reading Night consists of stations. Those that have registered and complete the stations can collect a book as a prize at the end of the night. So make sure that you and your family are registered for the program!